Updated
A 4-day cycling and gorilla safari in south-west Uganda usually starts in Kisoro, rides past Lake Mutanda and through the hills to Nkuringo or Rushaga in southern Bwindi, includes a gorilla trek on day 3, and finishes with a ride or transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. The roads are steep, unpaved and high, so you need good fitness and some mountain-biking experience, and a support vehicle should carry luggage and pick up tired riders. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November.
Day 1: Kisoro and Lake Mutanda
Start in Kisoro, reached by flight from Entebbe or by road from Kigali in about 3 hours. After fitting bikes and a safety briefing, ride out on dirt roads through farmland and villages towards Lake Mutanda, with the Virunga volcanoes behind you. The ride is a good warm-up for the steeper days ahead. Overnight by the lake or near Kisoro.
Day 2: Ride to southern Bwindi
Ride on through the highlands towards Nkuringo or Rushaga, depending on your permit. The roads climb and descend steeply, often on loose gravel and mud, with long views over Bwindi’s forest. Expect a hard day; the support vehicle can take over on the steepest climbs or in heavy rain. Overnight at a lodge in the sector named on your permit. See our guides to Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Day 3: Gorilla trek
Rest the bike and join the 7:30 am briefing for the gorilla trek, which can take from under an hour to most of the day, followed by one hour with a habituated family. After two days of cycling, a porter, at about US$15–20, is especially welcome. In the afternoon, rest or take a short community walk.
Day 4: Towards Lake Bunyonyi
Ride or transfer towards Lake Bunyonyi, depending on energy and weather, and finish with a relaxed afternoon on the water. From there, continue to Kabale, Kigali or onward on your safari. See our Lake Bunyonyi guide.
Is it right for you?
This trip suits fit, confident riders comfortable on steep, rough roads at around 1,800–2,300 m. Bikes are usually provided by the operator; check their quality, size and maintenance, and bring your own helmet, gloves and padded shorts if you prefer. Ride only in daylight, stay visible on roads shared with vehicles and motorcycles, and make sure your insurance covers cycling. In the rainy months, roads become very muddy. See our guide to fitness for gorilla trekking and nearby Mgahinga, which adds golden monkeys and volcano hikes.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, on guided rides from Kisoro or Lake Mutanda to the southern sectors, with a support vehicle.
Hard: steep, unpaved roads at high altitude. Good fitness and some mountain-biking experience are needed.
Usually not; operators provide bikes. Bring your own helmet and gloves if you prefer.
The drier months, June to September and December to February, when roads are less muddy.
